Marine Fournier is a seasoned IT professional with a rich multicultural background, boasting 18 years of experience in the tech industry. Known for her innovative thinking and proactive approach, she specializes in crafting and executing successful strategies that have led to the development and completion of numerous high-value projects.
Marine’s leadership skills shone particularly bright 10 years ago when she transitioned into the role of an International HR Director. Armed with her remarkable managerial and communication capabilities, she found her true passion: people. She thrives in enhancing motivation, streamlining workflow, fostering unity in the workplace, and propelling team performance.
The overarching mission of Marine’s work is to leverage these talents in order to elevate the company’s performance. Her drive for success is deeply rooted in the belief that optimizing the potential of her team directly translates into the broader achievement of the organization.
More about Marine Fournier:
Powell Software is a global technology company specializing in digital workplace solutions that enhance collaboration, productivity, and employee engagement. By offering a suite of customizable and scalable products, such as Powell Intranet and Powell Teams, Powell Software empowers organizations to create intuitive and modern digital workspaces that meet their unique needs. With a focus on user experience, adaptability, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Powell Software aims to transform how organizations work and communicate in a digital-first world.
Learn more at: www.powell-software.com
Welcome, Marine! Please walk us through the journey that landed you in your current HR Director role at Powell Software.
It’s been quite a journey that led me to my current role as HR Director at Powell Software. I’ve actually been working in digital workplaces for over 15 years, and out of those, I’ve dedicated a solid decade to HR. It’s been my passion, and what I genuinely know inside out—the ever-evolving trends, the latest innovations—has always fascinated me.
I think what makes my story interesting is the diverse range of experiences I’ve had. I’ve lived in four different countries, which has given me a broad perspective and a knack for being open-minded. I’ve effortlessly adapted to various roles and environments, whether transitioning from sales to marketing or from customer service to operator. I’ve ventured into management and explored functional roles as well, spanning from production to other aspects of a company’s organization. This 360-degree view of a company’s operations has proven invaluable, especially when I made the exciting shift to HR years ago. That diversity remains a significant asset in my role today.
What are the most grueling workforce obstacles of the hour, and how can HR leaders play a pivotal role in reversing the situation?
One of the most challenging hurdles HR leaders are currently grappling with is the changing landscape of employee expectations triggered by the pandemic. These days, individuals are placing a stronger emphasis on their personal lives, which has led to a more individualistic approach to work. It means that as HR leaders, we must navigate this shift and find ways to support our employees on a personal level, understanding their unique needs and aspirations. It’s about balancing and accommodating their individual lives while fostering a productive and engaged workforce.
Previously, companies relied on creating a collective atmosphere and offering additional provisions to keep employees engaged in the office. However, with the rise of remote work, everything has changed. While remote work has undoubtedly increased productivity, it has also shifted the collective focus to individual needs. As an HR leader, I’ve come to understand the importance of individuals working where they naturally excel. Personally, I thrive as a self-starter, always seeking the “new” in both work and life. HR leaders must adapt to this changing landscape, finding innovative ways to foster engagement and support the individual needs of employees while maintaining a sense of collective purpose and collaboration.
How do you go about strategizing HR policies in a fashion that aligns with Powell Software’s business objectives?
When crafting HR policies that align with Powell Software’s business objectives, I believe that HR departments are uniquely influential in external communication. We play a crucial role in connecting HR with the core of the business, and this connection is key to achieving success in an agile organization. We understand the need to act swiftly and ensure that the right people are in the right places because it’s the people who truly change the game. Our job is to optimize their well-being, nurture their success, and ultimately contribute to the company’s overall success.
I love challenging the business when I believe something isn’t quite right. It’s essential to have a voice that is heard because it’s through this collaboration and open dialogue that we can drive positive change. The pandemic has magnified the importance of our role even more, as organizations have had to adapt and embrace new ways of working. At Powell Software, we strive to create a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s about fostering a collaborative environment that empowers individuals and the company to thrive together.
What primary parameters do you evaluate when analyzing new HR technologies for the organization?
When evaluating new HR technologies for our organization, I consider several primary parameters. Firstly, I’m fortunate to have access to in-house products like Powell Intranet and Powell Teams, which many companies of our size may not have. This gives us a unique advantage in terms of exploring and leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
Additionally, a global mindset is crucial in this evaluation process. It’s essential to ensure that the new technologies we adopt work seamlessly across different locations, whether it’s in New York or Shanghai. Consistency and providing a great user experience for everyone within our organization, regardless of their geographical location, is a key factor in our decision-making process. By considering these parameters, we can identify HR technologies that align with our organizational needs and contribute to our overall success.
Remote work being the new norm, what challenges does it pose for HR, and how does Powell Software provide a solution?
With remote work becoming the new norm, HR faces unique challenges. At Powell Software, a scale-up operating in the digital workplace industry, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to test and implement new tools that enhance HR policies. Upcoming solutions include launching AI capabilities in our products and a Virtual Building.
By leveraging AI, we’ve been able to streamline our support system. It enables us to effectively address and resolve level 1 support questions, freeing HR’s time to focus on more value-added tasks. This innovative solution enhances our efficiency and ensures that employees receive timely and accurate support, regardless of their remote location.
What major technology shifts do you foresee happening soon in human resources that will ease things for both organizations and employees?
The answer is simple, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Can you please talk more about Powell Software’s work culture and what initiatives it implements to ensure its employees’ mental health is in place?
At Powell Software, our work culture and employee well-being, including mental health, are paramount. We implemented initiatives in 2022 to establish a flexible organization, improve structure, and enhance productivity. Looking ahead to 2023, we will continue prioritizing long-term, flexible working, fostering team unity, efficiency, and wellness.
We value feedback from our diverse team and actively seek it out to drive positive change. Inclusivity is a priority, reflected in our Glassdoor rating of 4.7/5 in that area. We collaborate with associations like Numericli and aim to improve diversity in recruitment.
To support employee well-being, we provide daily tips for movement, allocate funds for gym memberships, and organize regular team events. Our Powell Players indicate high satisfaction with work-life balance, reflected in a Glassdoor rating of 4.9/5.
We address challenges by encouraging cross-team collaboration and organizing community events. Sustainability is a key focus, with initiatives to raise awareness, provide eco-friendly equipment, and support employees in adopting green practices.
In summary, at Powell Software, we prioritize work culture, mental health, inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability to create a positive and nurturing environment for our employees.
On your website, you have mentioned about “future of work.” Could you expand more on this?
At Powell Software, we’re excited about the future of work and how it can transform how we collaborate and thrive. For us, it’s all about flexibility, productivity, and seamless digital experiences. We believe that work should adapt to individuals, not the other way around. That’s why our cutting-edge tools and technologies empower organizations to create intelligent digital workplaces where teams can connect, collaborate, and achieve their goals, no matter where they are. We support the transition to long-term, flexible working, ensuring organizations can effectively manage remote teams and embrace global collaborations.
